Uncharacteristically for this fixture, the 2021 Willows v Christ’s College match was played with a lush green outfield. Nevertheless, the Ben Cottrell Trophy was retained.

It should be noted that the scrum was screwed perhaps in the home side’s favour before a ball was bowled. Christ’s College head coach (and their annual tormentor in this fixture) Keryn Ambler appeared in The Willows line-up. His inside intel was further supported by another College coach, Adam Hastilow, and recent Old Boys Tom McClean and Will Greenslade.

Batting first, the home side set about building a total that would be beyond their younger opponents, with Hastilow in particular looking to bully the bowlers. At 111/4 nearing the half way point, College would have felt on top. However a 117 run partnership for the 5th wicket between Ambler (72) and skipper Gareth Reed (65) stole back the advantage. Hugo Davison came in at the end swinging for the fence, and on one occasion connected. The Willows ended their innings with a competitive 257/8.

In reply, The College innings never gained the momentum it needed. Davison was miserly, giving up only 15 runs in his opening seven over spell. He was ably supported at the other end by Will Greenslade, and the evergreen Richard McGuire. Ten overs each on the trot from Hastilow (who arrived at the ground complaining of a busted ankle), and Stan Woolliscroft maintained the pressure. Cody Campbell (who had been everywhere in the field all day) picked up three wickets towards the end. College batted out their overs but came up 30 odd short.

The crowd moment of the day was provided by Hastilow. Coming around the boundary from cow corner, he overran the ball, before sticking out one hand to take a waist high catch in the most casual manner seen — right in front of the pavilion crowd.